Menu
29/10/2019
Political Stalemate Prevents L'Derry City Deal
Leader of the SDLP Colum Eastwood has warned local politicians they are denying the North West of critical funding as the political stalemate at Stormont continues.
The Foyle MLA made the call after it emerged that any benefit from the L'Derry and Strabane City Deal is depending on the restoration of devolved government, depriving the region of millions of pounds of investment.
Stormont's institutions have been suspended for almost three years, during which time local education and health services have fallen into financial crisis. Announced in May, the deal would see the region receive £105 million in government funding.
Mr Eastwood called for reform of the petition of concern, a key sticking point in past negotiation attempts, to facilitate a return to the NI Assembly.
"How much longer are we going to have to endure growing hospital waiting lists, school budgets in freefall and our best and brightest young people leaving this island because two parties refuse to compromise and form a government? The strategy of stalemate and boycott has failed and it is continuing to fail those who need a government most.
"Today we have further confirmation that the City Deal money which is needed to upgrade transport infrastructure, expand our university and create new jobs is dependent on a functioning devolved government.
"We are all being held to ransom."
The SDLP Leader concluded: "This city and the North West cannot afford to delay investment in people, communities and jobs any longer. It should be a political and personal priority for all of us."
(JG/CM)
The Foyle MLA made the call after it emerged that any benefit from the L'Derry and Strabane City Deal is depending on the restoration of devolved government, depriving the region of millions of pounds of investment.
Stormont's institutions have been suspended for almost three years, during which time local education and health services have fallen into financial crisis. Announced in May, the deal would see the region receive £105 million in government funding.
Mr Eastwood called for reform of the petition of concern, a key sticking point in past negotiation attempts, to facilitate a return to the NI Assembly.
"How much longer are we going to have to endure growing hospital waiting lists, school budgets in freefall and our best and brightest young people leaving this island because two parties refuse to compromise and form a government? The strategy of stalemate and boycott has failed and it is continuing to fail those who need a government most.
"Today we have further confirmation that the City Deal money which is needed to upgrade transport infrastructure, expand our university and create new jobs is dependent on a functioning devolved government.
"We are all being held to ransom."
The SDLP Leader concluded: "This city and the North West cannot afford to delay investment in people, communities and jobs any longer. It should be a political and personal priority for all of us."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
Belfast Region City Deal Delivers Early Results
The Belfast Region City Deal, a decade-long investment program, is already making significant strides in delivering tangible benefits to the region. Three years after its inception, partners from the program recently visited Stormont to showcase the progress made so far.
Belfast Region City Deal Delivers Early Results
The Belfast Region City Deal, a decade-long investment program, is already making significant strides in delivering tangible benefits to the region. Three years after its inception, partners from the program recently visited Stormont to showcase the progress made so far.
20 December 2022
Eleven Projects Set To Be Delivered By Belfast Region City Deal
Eleven projects are set to be delivered following the allocation of funding from the Belfast Region City Deal, as Belfast City Council marks the progress made in the first year of the investment programme.
Eleven Projects Set To Be Delivered By Belfast Region City Deal
Eleven projects are set to be delivered following the allocation of funding from the Belfast Region City Deal, as Belfast City Council marks the progress made in the first year of the investment programme.
08 May 2019
Belfast City Deal Partners Welcome Derry & Strabane Deal
The Belfast Region City Deal partners have welcomed the announcement of a £50m City Deal for Derry and Strabane. The investment will support innovation in the district's digital sector and a further £55m will be allocated to an Inclusive Future Fund for the region.
Belfast City Deal Partners Welcome Derry & Strabane Deal
The Belfast Region City Deal partners have welcomed the announcement of a £50m City Deal for Derry and Strabane. The investment will support innovation in the district's digital sector and a further £55m will be allocated to an Inclusive Future Fund for the region.
02 July 2018
Woman Arrested During Drug Deal In Belfast City Centre
An investigation has been launched after police intercepted a heroin deal taking place in Belfast City Centre. According to reports, police witnessed a drug deal taking place between two women on King Street at the back of Castlecourt on Friday, 29 June Police detained one of the women and recovered two wraps of heroin and cash.
Woman Arrested During Drug Deal In Belfast City Centre
An investigation has been launched after police intercepted a heroin deal taking place in Belfast City Centre. According to reports, police witnessed a drug deal taking place between two women on King Street at the back of Castlecourt on Friday, 29 June Police detained one of the women and recovered two wraps of heroin and cash.
15 November 2024
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
